Cabinet convened on Thursday morning to tackle its mechanism as supporters of the Free Patriotic Movement took to the streets to demand “the restoration of Christian rights.”
The cabinet session was held to tackle the government's mechanism of taking decisions in light of the presidential vacuum.
Prior to the meeting, a heated exchange took place between Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil, prompting officials at the Grand Serail to request the media to leave the premises.
Bassil had arrived at the Serail with a copy of the constitution, saying that he was “demonstrating for it.”
Commenting on his actions, Telecommunications Minister Butros Harb said: “He should read the constitution before demonstrating for it.”
Bassil started the session by attempting to discuss the jurisdiction of the president, reported LBCI television.
A quarrel later erupted between Ministers Wael Abou Faour and Akram Shehayeb with Bassil.
The television station spoke of a number of heated exchanges that took place in cabinet before they died down and the ministers were able to discuss the cabinet agenda.
It managed to approve one ordinary agenda article.